Last Updated On 6 December 2022, 12:05 AM EST (Toronto Time)
On December 5, 2022, Ontario published a news release discussing trade opportunities with India and its success in bringing investment to Ontario. The province of Ontario promoted its strengths to attract investment and increase exports in critical areas.
The Ontario government has returned from a successful trade mission to India to improve partnerships with economic partners and attract new investments in essential industries like manufacturing, technology, and life sciences.
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli led the mission, which resulted in renewed commitments to collaborate with the states of Maharashtra and Telangana, as well as an announcement by 88 Pictures, a Mumbai-based animation and media entertainment company, to expand to Ontario.
“Ontario and India have a long history as economic partners and friends, and our government is proud to be back in India to build on that relationship,” said Minister Fedeli. “We continue to drive long-term economic growth by attracting investments and creating opportunities, while promoting the province as a leading destination for international investment.”
Ontario’s initiative to bring new investment from India
With over 900,000 residents of Indian descent, Ontario has the highest Indian population in the entire country; obvious, it is the largest . In addition, more than 75,000 international students from India are enrolled in colleges and institutions in Ontario.
From November 25 to December 2, 2022, Ontario’s delegation visited major companies in India to promote the province as a worldwide innovation hub and a great investment area.
It featured a meeting with 88 Pictures, which declared, along with Toronto Global, that Ontario would be the first destination for the company’s international expansion. Over the next two years, this investment will create 150 new employment in Ontario.
The other highlights were meetings with HCL Technologies, Motherson Sumi, Jubilant Bhartia Group, Larsen & Toubro, ITC Infotech, Essar, Tata, and ICICI.
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Job opportunities that investment from India will create
Trade in both directions between Ontario and India was worth $3.7 billion in 2021. Over 40 Ontario companies have a presence in India, while 69 Indian businesses are active there.
India’s significant recent investments in Ontario include:
- Infosys, which plans to add 500 new jobs nationwide by 2024;
- HCL, plans to hire more than 2,000 new workers nationwide by 2024, including more than 1,000 in Mississauga;
- Tata Consultancy Services, which opened its fifth global innovation hub in Toronto and will add 5,000 new jobs and 100 new internships nationwide;
- L&T Technology Services, which recently announced plans to open an engineering and R&D center in Toronto;
- And Zoho, which recently launched in Cornwall, Ontario.
To draw in and expedite investment negotiations, aid small and medium-sized businesses in increasing their export capability, and publicize the province’s Open for the Business mandate, Ontario has trade and investment offices in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.
Ontario remains dedicated to using cutting-edge strategies to build on its advantages and promote the province as a desirable place to conduct business.
India and Ontario business expansion initiative
The Ontario delegation also participated in the Mumbai Business Forum of the Canada-India Business Council and the annual conference of the Indo-Canada Business Chamber to highlight the province’s position as a global innovator.
Additionally, the delegation hosted a roundtable with innovative companies based in India to discuss their global growth and expansion strategies.
The province of Ontario also updated its long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indian states of Maharashtra and Telangana as part of the trade trip.
The new MOUs will promote ongoing cooperation on significant projects in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, media, and entertainment. All three jurisdictions will be able to continue to develop and innovate due to this timely renewal.
As a result, the province remains one of the most competitive regions for businesses to invest in and grow because of its skilled workforce, cutting-edge research and development facilities, award-winning manufacturing, and access to a wealth of essential materials.
Source: Government of Ontario
- Check New IRCC Processing Times As of March 29
This page contains a list of the new updated official IRCC processing times as of March 29, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing timings.
For over a year, we’ve been tracking and publishing these processing times for our readers, which are officially updated weekly by the IRCC.
Please carefully read the following information to properly understand what these processing timeframes mean.
In early 2022, the IRCC upgraded its processing tool to include accurate information on typical processing durations rather than just service standard timelines.
These processing timelines are meant to offer potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an indication of how long it may take for a decision to be reached on their application.
These timelines are based on data collected for 80% of previously processed applications over the last 6 months and are meant to offer the most recent weekly processing timings.
This does not guarantee that your application will be processed in the same amount of time.
Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, the processing time for your application may be longer or shorter than displayed.
Please keep in mind that the processing time begins when the IRCC receives the application and concludes when the immigration officer determines whether or not to accept the application.
Citizenship & PR cards IRCC Processing Times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Citizenship grant 23 months No Change Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)* 14 months No Change Resumption of citizenship 30 months No Change Renunciation of Citizenship 14 months No Change Search of citizenship records 16 months No Change New PR card 29 days – 3 Days PR card renewals 63 days – 3 Days *Citizenship certificate (evidence of citizenship): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may be processed more slowly.
The IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applicants who applied between February 13th, 2023.
Family Sponsorship Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada 16 months No Change Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada 13 months No Change Parents or Grandparents PR 39 months No Change Canadian Passport Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From
Last WeekIn-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services) 10 business days No Change In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre) 20 business days No Change In-Canda Urgent pick-up By the end of next business day No Change In-Canada Express pick-up 2-9 business days No Change Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada 20 business days No Change Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 12 months No Change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 30 months No Change Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 70 months (not updated
by IRCC since March 1)No Change Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry 11 months No Change Non-Express Entry PNP 20 months No Change Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) 20 months No Change Quebec Business Class
entrepreneurs (Quebec)
investors (Quebec)
self-employed persons (Quebec)67 months No Change Federal Self-Employed 43 months No Change Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 24 months No Change Start-Up Visa 33 months No Change Temporary Residence Application Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Visitor visa outside Canada Varies by country
India: 25 Days
Nigeria: 357 Days
United States: 14 Days
Pakistan: 235 Days
Philippines: 29 Days
UAE: 319 Days
Bangladesh: 239 Days
Sri Lanka: 125 Days
United Kingdom: 31 Days– 12 Days for India
+ 6 Days for Nigeria
– 3 Days for United States
+ 114 Days for Pakistan
– 1 Day for Philippines
– 4 Days for UAE
+ 99 Day for Bangladesh
+ 23 Days for Sri Lanka
+1 Day for UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 11 days
Paper-Based: 33 daysNo Change Parents or Grandparents Super Visa Varies by country
India: 123 Days
Nigeria: 686 Days
United States: 192 Days
Pakistan: 422 Days
Philippines: 226 Days
UAE: 327 Days
Bangladesh: 253 Days
Sri Lanka: 307 Days
United Kingdom: 190 Days– 4 Days for India
+ 6 Days for Nigeria
+ 71 Days for United States
– 40 Days for Pakistan
– 5 Days for Philippines
+ 1 Day for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
– 11 Days for Sri Lanka
+ 8 Days for UKStudy Permit Outside Canada 9 Weeks – 1 Week Visitor Extension (Visitor Record) Online: 183 days
Paper-Based: 85 days+ 2 Days (Online)
No Change for Paper-BasedStudy Permit Inside Canada 2 Weeks – 1 Week Study Permit Extension Online: 69 Days
Paper-Based: 99 Days– 8 Days (Online)
No Change for Paper-BasedWork Permit Outside Canada* Varies by country
India: 8 Weeks
Nigeria: 26 Weeks
United States: 10 Weeks
Pakistan: 47 Weeks
Philippines: 9 Weeks
UAE: 37 Weeks
Bangladesh: 46 Weeks
Sri Lanka: 19 Weeks
United Kingdom: 12 WeeksNo Change for India
+ 1 Week for Nigeria
– 4 Weeks for United States
+ 1 Week for Pakistan
– 1 Week for Philippines
– 2 Weeks for UAE
+ 7 Weeks for Bangladesh
+ 1 Week for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 148 Days
Paper-Based: 25 Days– 3 Days (Online)
– 3 Days for paper-basedInternational Experience Canada (Current Season) 4 Weeks + 1 Week Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) 23 Days + 2 Days Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) 5 minutes No Change *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.
- Canada Budget 2023 New Proposals For Immigration
Today, the finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled Canada budget 2023 amid rising grocery costs.
Budget reiterated that Canada will welcome 500,000 new permanent residents per year by 2025 with the vast majority of whom will be skilled employees.
This will assist in addressing the labour shortages that so many Canadian firms are currently facing.
The budget proposes new funding to improve processing and boost visitors to Canada.
Additionally, it also allocates new funding for promoting francophone funding as well as to support legal aid for Asylum Seekers.
Canada Budget 2023 Proposal for Immigration
Canada budget 2023 proposes $104.3 million for citizenship, visitors, asylum seekers + $123.2 million for promoting francophone immigration.
As per 2022 budget, Canada already has plan to spend $1.6 billion over six years and $315 million ongoing to achieve ambitious target of welcoming 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025.
Moreover, $50 million is also being spend to address immigration backlogs.
Safe and Efficient Citizenship Applications: $10 million over 5 years
Applications for citizenship are screened using name-based searches rather than biometric methods like fingerprints, which are used in visa and permanent residency applications.
Name-based searches take longer and are less precise, resulting in longer processing times.
So, budget 2023 proposes $10 million over five years, beginning in 2023-24, with a remaining amortization of $14.6 million for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to implement biometrics.
Supporting Travel to Canada: $50.8 million in forgone revenue over 4 years
Canada acknowledges that Visitors to Canada generate billions of dollars in revenue. The federal government is dedicated to simplifying and streamlining the application process for anyone wishing to visit Canada, while not compromising national security.
Budget 2023 proposes expanding eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) eligibility to low-risk, trusted travellers from additional visa-required countries.
This will assist to make Canada a more appealing destination for trustworthy travellers while also allowing the government to direct resources where they are most needed, such as screening higher-risk travellers.
This approach will cost $50.8 million in forgone revenue over four years. The list of qualifying countries will be released in upcoming weeks.
Legal Aid for Asylum Seekers: $43.5 million
As per Canadian government, access to legal counsel, information, and guidance guarantees that Canada’s asylum procedure is fair and efficient for all.
In collaboration with provinces and territories, the federal government helps fund legal aid services for asylum seekers who cannot afford it.
Canada budget 2023 proposes to give Justice Canada $43.5 million in 2023-24 to sustain government financing for immigration and refugee legal aid programmes.
Francophone (French-Speaking) immigration: $123.2 million
Budget proposes $123.2 million to enhance Francophone immigration in Canada. Although, it is immigration related, but it falls under the action plan for official languages section of the budget.
This includes assistance to Canadian firms in recruiting French-speaking overseas employees and improved assistance to these immigrants after they arrive.
Grocery Rebate Canada Budget 2023
Most talked across Canada is the “grocery rebate” announced by the minister, which is a one-time payment (a maximum amount of $153 per adult, $81 per child, and $81 for singles).
As a result, eligible couples with 2 children may receive up to $467, while individuals may receive up to an extra $234. Furthermore, Seniors may receive up to $225.
This is expected to benefit For 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families to offset the cost of rising grocery inflation. However, this is too petite amount.
Example explained in the budget on Grocery Rebate eligibility
Sam works part-time as a cook at a restaurant, while Alex works as a clerk at a convenience store. They make $38,000 each year to support their two young children.
Increasing grocery prices have stretched their already limited budget, and they are fighting to make ends meet.
In addition to the improved Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Child Benefit, and GST Credit they already get, the Food Rebate will provide them with $467 to help them afford the healthful food their growing children require.
- Canada Foreign Worker Program Transitioning To LMIA Online Portal Effective April 3
Effective April 3, 2023 the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will begin shifting to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary means of submitting LMIAs.
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian business or employer require before recruiting a foreign worker.
With positive LMIA, a foreign worker can apply for a work permit and come to Canada for employment.
This change to LMIA Online Portal will streamline processing even further, allowing firms to respond labour market demands more swiftly.
New Extension of Temporary Foreign Worker Program COVID Measures
Furthermore, Minister of Employment, Carla Qualtrough extended below listed temporary measures until October 23, 2023. These measures were introduced during the COVID.
- Allowing employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) to hire up to 30% of their workforce for low-wage positions through the TFWP;
- extending the validity period of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to 18 months; and
- extending the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions to two years.
The Canadian labour market remains tighter than it was prior to the pandemic, with the job vacancy rate reaching an all-time high in the third quarter of 2021.
Still unemployment rate in Canada continues to remain near-record low at 5.0%.
As of March 19, 2023, 56.5% more files (108,592) have been processed this year than during the same time period the prior fiscal year (69,379).
Despite the huge rise in demand, national average LMIA processing times improved by more than ten days in fiscal year 2022-23.
LMIA processing times have continued to improve and are now at 29 days nationwide, down from 40 days at the start of this fiscal year.
What is the LMIA Online Portal
The LMIA Online Portal is a trustworthy and secure electronic resource.
It enables Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit an LMIA application to Service Canada on their behalf.
LMIA Online Portal Features
Employers or third-party representatives can do the following in the LMIA Online Portal after setting up a Job Bank account:
- Submit LMIA application anytime (24×7 = 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Complete or revise an LMIA application at any time prior to submitting it to Service Canada
- Upload supporting documents
- Securely pay LMIA fees
- Receive real-time updates on the status of LMIA application
- Employer can access and follow the status of application, when a third party representative is submitting an LMIA application on employer’s behalf
- View correspondence and decision letters issued by Service Canada,
- Review previously submitted applications,
- Create a new LMIA application by copying the information from a previous application, and
- Contact TFWP system experts for help with technical issues.
“We are taking a balanced approach to adjust the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet the changing needs of Canada’s workforce and Canadian employers. Renewing these measures addresses immediate labour shortages, while ensuring Canadians have access to jobs. We’ll continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to build the strong, skilled workforce Canada needs to support our economy.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla QualtroughHow to request an exemption
If applicants meet one of the below listed exemptions, then they may contact edsc.demande.formulaire.ptet-tfwp.form.request@servicecanada.gc.ca to make a request for an exemption and request a PDF LMIA application form.
- business name
- business telephone
- justification(s) for the exemption(s), citing the exception to which applicant is entitled
- the stream(s) applicant want to apply for
If you fulfil the requirements for the exemption, Service Canada will assess your request and make a determination. Email replies will be sent out within two business days.
LMIA Portal Exemptions
In April 2023, all LMIA application forms will be taken down from Canada.ca website.
However, employer or their representative is unable to use the LMIA Online Portal because of the below listed reasons, then they might be granted exemption from submitting the application online.
Exemption 1
Employers or their representative is/are unable get a Job Bank account if they;
- don’t have a SIN
- don’t have a payroll account number associated with CRA business number
Exemption 2
Employers is facing limitations or technical difficulties (example, limited internet or computer access).
Exemption 3
Applicants cannot use the Online Portal due to a system outage. In this situation, a notification outlining the steps to submit an LMIA application during this time will be placed on the Online Portal.
Temporary Foreign Worker LMIA Employers List
Below is the latest official list of Employers who have been issued positive LMIAs so far.
What is LMIA Online Portal?
The LMIA Online Portal is a trustworthy and secure electronic resource. It enables Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit an LMIA application to Service Canada on their behalf.
Effective April 3, 2023 the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be transitioning to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary means of submitting LMIAs.
- Roxham Road Border and Safe Third Country Agreement
The Canadian government has secured an agreement with the United States on irregular migration that now allows Canada to block the Roxham Road unofficial crossing at the Canada-United States border.
On March 24, 2023, Canada and the United States announced the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) across the whole land border, including internal waterways.
The expansion takes effect on March 25, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. If you crossed the border to seek asylum (refugee) and do not fit one of the Agreement’s exclusions, you will be deported to the United States.
As part of this commitment, Canada will accept an additional 15,000 migrants from the Western Hemisphere on a humanitarian basis over the course of the year.
This is to maintain the expansion of the safe, regular pathways already provided throughout the hemisphere as an alternative to unauthorized migration and as a path to job opportunities.
Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States are among the 23 nations of North America in the Western Hemisphere.
Apart from these, 12 countries from South America also fall in Western Hemisphere. These are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Urugya, and Venezuela.
According to sources, those positions will be new and will not reduce the number of immigrants and refugees that Canada has previously stated it will welcome.
What is Roxham Road Crossing
Roxham Road is an unofficial land border (dirt road) between Canada and United States, which runs through Quebec and New York. It is located around 50 kilometres south of Montreal.
The route serves as a popular unauthorized border crossing for asylum seekers attempting to enter Canada.
Since 2017, Canada has experienced an influx of refugees crossing the border from the United States at different irregular entry sites.
According to federal government figures, more than 39,000 persons sought refuge in Quebec in 2022 after entering the country illegally.
Roxham Road Border Crossing What is Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)?
A safe third country is a country where an individual, passing through that country, could have made a claim for refugee protection.
Canada and United States has a Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) which means any foreign national in the United States cannot enter Canada and seek refuge.
It is illegal for an asylum seeker to cross the border anyplace other than an established port of entry.
However, once a person sets foot on the Canadian soil by any means (such as via Roxham road), then that person is lawfully permitted to apply for asylum and seek refugee status.
Previously, the STCA was only applicable at official border crossings and Roxham road is just an unofficial country-side ditch road connecting two countries.
On March 24 U.S and Canada has expanded this agreement to include all the official and unofficial borders effective March 25.
Now if any foreign national enters Canada from the United States and apply for asylum (refugee status), then Canadian authorities will return them back to the U.S.
Where is the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) applicable now?
The Safe Third Country Agreement applies to refugees seeking entrance into Canada from the United States.
- at Canada-US land border crossings
- after crossing between ports of entry and claiming refugee protection within 14 days of entering Canada
- by train, or
- at airports, only if the person seeking refugee protection in Canada has been denied refugee status in the US and is in transit through Canada after being deported from the US.
Exemptions to the STCA
Exceptions to the Agreement take into account the value of family unity, children’s best interests, and the public interest. There are four different kinds of exceptions:
- Family members.
- Unaccompanied minors.
- Document holders
- Public Interest
1. Family member exemption
Refugee applicants may be eligible for this exemption if they have a family member who:
- is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or a protected person under Canadian immigration legislation
- has made a claim for refugee status in Canada that has been accepted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- has had his or her removal order stayed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds
- holds a valid Canadian work permit
- holds a valid Canadian study permit
- is above the age of 18 and has a refugee protection claim that has been referred to the IRB for adjudication.
Below listed relationships meet the definition of a family member:
- spouse
- legal guardian
- child
- father or mother
- sister or brother
- grandfather or grandmother
- grandchild
- uncle or aunt
- nephew or niece
- common-law partner
- same-sex spouse
2. Exemption for unaccompanied minors
Minor refugee claimants who are (under the age of 18) and
- are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- having no spouse or common-law partner, and
- do not have a mother, father, or legal guardian in Canada or the United States.
3. Exemption of document holders
Refugee claimants may be eligible for this category of exceptions if they meet the following criteria:
- possess a valid Canadian visa (other than a transit visa)
- possess a valid work permit possess a valid study permit
- have a travel document (for permanent residents or refugees) or other valid entry document issued by Canada, or are not required (exempt) to get a temporary resident visa to visit Canada yet require a visa granted by the United States to enter the United States.
4. Public Interest Exemption
Public interest exemption applies to asylum seekers if they have been charged with or convicted of an offence that might result in the death sentence in the United States or another nation.
A refugee claimant, on the other hand, is disqualified if he or she has been deemed inadmissible in Canada on security grounds, for breaching human or international rights, or for severe crime, or if the Minister considers the person to be a threat to the public.
Is Roxham road border crossing open?
Roxham Road is no longer open to refugees seeking to enter Canada. The Canadian government and the United States have agreed to block Roxham Road, an illegal border crossing just south of Montreal.
Canada is now turning away asylum seekers trying to enter via Roxham Road.Where is Roxham Road border crossing?
Roxham Road is an unofficial land border (dirt road) that extends across Quebec and New York between Canada and the United States. It is around 50 kilometres south of Montreal.What is Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) Roxham?
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States (U.S.) is part of the Smart Border Action Plan between the two countries.
As per this agreement, refugee claimants are obligated to seek refugee status in the first secure nation they arrive or land in.Source: STCA
- BREAKING: New Canada Immigration Pathway Announced By IRCC
Last Updated On 6 December 2022, 12:05 AM EST (Toronto Time)March 27, 2023 – Today, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Honourable Sean Fraser announces a new Canada Immigration pathway.
Minister offers a keynote talk and unveil new permanent residency (PR) pathway at the Empire Club of Canada in Toronto little late than scheduled time of 11:30 am EST.
Fraser spoke with NGOs, business leaders, and civil society organizations and discuss how Canada’s immigration measures can help employers from different sectors address the labour shortages.
You can select your preferred language below to read the whole announcement for better understanding.
New Immigration Pathway LIVE UPDATES:
Canada announces a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to assist firms in hiring qualified refugees and other displaced people.
The Canadian government is expanding the EMPP by establishing a new federal pathway.
In order to solve specific labour shortages in high-demand industries like healthcare, skilled crafts, and information technology, Canada has set ambitious goals for the EMPP.
During the next years, Canada will expand it further and accept 2,000 eligible refugees and other displaced people.As a result of the uniform qualifying requirements and the requirement to submit only one application, the new federal immigration program application procedure will be simpler and quicker.
The majority of applications will be approved within 6 months, allowing EMPP applicants to travel to Canada and begin employment immediately.This summer will see the launch of this new pathway, which will supplement current EMPP pathways.
The new federal pathway will allow companies additional chances to fill a variety of in-demand positions, including those for teachers, tourist and hospitality employees, truck and delivery service drivers, software engineers, web designers, mechanical and electrical engineers, and long-term care aides.
The EMPP offers EMPP candidates the chance to resume their professions and their lives in safety with their families here in Canada while giving companies another way to meet their labour market demands.The EMPP will also now take a more accommodating stance towards eligibility by allowing other displaced individuals who require international protection and lack a long-term solution to apply.
In the upcoming weeks, more details on the new federal pathway, including eligibility requirements, will be made accessible on the EMPP website.
Employers will be allowed to recruit refugees and other displaced persons who qualify under any National Occupation Classification 2021 category TEER 0-5 according to the new government gateway.
“Canada is a global leader in helping skilled refugees connect with employers struggling to find workers in critical areas, while giving newcomers the opportunity to restart their careers and their lives here in Canada. Our government will continue to develop and scale innovative immigration measures to help employers address their critical labour shortages and provide refugees with the opportunity to live in safety while rebuilding their lives.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Source: Canada immigration official website
Speculations Regarding the Announcement
Below listed were the some speculations around the web regarding today’s announcement:
- While some anticipated that it would have something to do with implementation of Bill C19 and expansion of Express Entry targeted pathway.
- There were also talks about new program for 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from Western Hemisphere including Haiti and Central America based upon recent Biden’s visit to Canada and closure of Roxham road.
- Furthermore, some believed that it could also be related to undocumented foreign workers in Canada to address labour shortages as per the mandate letter.
- Some were expecting new pathway similar to TR to PR for international students and foreign workers.
- There were also some smoke in relation to seven sectors with labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) as per ESDC press release just before this announcement.
New Canada immigration pathway has been announced which you can watch at INC News now.
What is the new pathway of PR for Canada?
Canada announces a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to assist firms in hiring qualified refugees and other displaced people.
The majority of applications will be approved within 6 months, allowing EMPP applicants to travel to Canada and begin employment immediately.Will there be a new immigration program in Canada?
Yes, Canada will be launching a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) in summer of 2023 which will have processing time of 6 months.What is EMPP – Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot?
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines economic immigration and refugee resettlement.
It is a pathway for helping talented refugees move to Canada using existing economic immigration programs and provide Canadian employers access to a fresh pool of competent people to fill job opportunities.What is the 2023 2025 Canada immigration plan?
New Canada immigration levels plan of 2023 2025 plans to accept 465,000 new immigrants in 2023, followed by 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Canada immigration news
- IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >900 Invites
11th IEC 2023 (International Experience Canada) round of invitations for the week ending March 24 sent more than 900 invitations across three categories.
The 3 categories include the Working Holiday visa category, Young Professionals, and International Co-Op (Internship).
Over 558 invites were sent to candidates in pool from more than 30 different countries under the IEC Working Holiday visa category.
Working Holiday category now has 30,761 available spots for this year.
IEC is now slowing down on the number of invitations since more than 75% of IEC 2023 quota has been exhausted.
Citizens of only 7 countries now have an excellent probability of earning an invitation in the upcoming IEC 2023 Working Holiday category next week.
The countries with high chance of invite next week include Andorra, Croatia, Luxembourg, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Candidates from the other countries in the Working Holiday category have a limited likelihood of earning an invitation based on the number of candidates in the pool and available slots, but they can still participate.
More than 200 invites were sent to the applicants in pool for the IEC 2023 Young Professionals category. Moreover, there are only 3,314 spots left for 2023.
Additionally, 135 invites were given to the candidates under the International Co-op (internship) category.
According to the most recent IRCC official processing update of March 23, the current IEC season has a processing time of less than three weeks.
Below listed is the category-wise data for each country on the number of invitations, applicants in the pool, and available spots.
1. IEC 2023 Working Holiday Visa Category
Country Invitations Issued This Week Total Invitations
Issued In 2023Candidates In Pool Available Spots Andorra 0 10 2 19 Australia 90 3,646 472 Unlimited Austria 0 154 25 0 Belgium 8 682 69 282 Croatia 2 80 1 225 Czech Republic 8 624 49 593 Denmark 4 182 33 212 Estonia 2 80 5 64 France 0 16,885 4,285 0 Germany 40 2,517 316 2,706 Greece 3 228 17 159 Hong Kong 3 240 16 90 Ireland 50 4,676 474 7,625 Italy 20 1,242 141 995 Japan 30 3,111 415 4,049 Korea Republic 100 7,556 1,281 1,696 Latvia 0 72 5 0 Lithuania 5 309 43 21 Luxembourg 2 21 0 65 Netherlands 10 677 71 335 New Zealand 40 1,243 116 1,589 Norway 3 49 6 99 Poland 5 479 53 359 Portugal 15 532 65 1,368 San Marino 0 4 0 22 Slovakia 4 329 23 110 Slovenia 1 28 0 67 Spain 10 1,179 119 1,079 Sweden 23 204 11 466 United Kingdom 80 5,834 746 6,466 Total 558 52,873 8,859 30,761 2. IEC Young Professionals Category
Country Invitations Issued This Week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots Australia 3 67 3 Unlimited Austria 1 7 1 60 Chile 19 309 8 148 Costa Rica 7 136 0 36 Croatia 0 6 0 17 Czech Republic 6 133 7 62 Estonia 0 3 0 8 France 98 1,644 70 1,218 France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE) 11 203 38 362 Germany 15 206 9 229 Greece 3 95 0 114 Ireland 8 69 2 136 Italy 6 136 2 149 Latvia 0 6 0 6 Lithuania 0 15 0 12 Luxembourg 0 0 0 10 Norway 0 5 0 10 Poland 6 39 2 92 Portugal 0 18 0 191 Slovakia 1 31 0 16 Slovenia 1 4 0 13 Spain 5 95 5 109 Spain via ICEX Vives Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 47 Sweden 0 16 1 95 Switzerland 9 154 8 93 Taiwan 4 92 5 81 Total 203 3,489 161 3,314 3. IEC International Co-op (Internship)
Country Invitations issued this week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots France 127 2,683 93 2,330 Ireland 3 10 3 43 Germany 4 51 4 134 Luxembourg 0 3 0 9 Switzerland 0 19 0 37 Taiwan 1 12 1 9 Total 135 2,778 101 2,562
International Experience Canada - Check Latest IRCC Processing Times As Of March 23
This article lists all the latest IRCC processing times as of March 23, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing times.
We have been documenting and publishing these processing times for our readers for over a year now as officially updated weekly by the IRCC.
Please carefully read the below information to fully comprehend what these processing times signify.
The IRCC changed its processing tool in early 2022 to provide realistic information on usual processing times rather than merely service standard timeframes.
These processing timelines are intended to give potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an idea of how long it may take for a decision on their application to be made.
These timeframes are based on data collected over the last 6 months for 80% of previously processed applications and are intended to provide the most recent weekly processing timings.
This does not indicate that your application will be handled in the same length of time.
Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, your application’s processing time may be longer or shorter than shown.
Please keep in mind that the processing period begins when IRCC receives the application and ends when the immigration officer decides whether to accept or reject it.
IRCC Processing Times for Citizenship & PR cards
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Citizenship grant 23 months No Change Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)* 14 months No Change Resumption of citizenship 30 months No Change Renunciation of Citizenship 14 months No Change Search of citizenship records 16 months No Change New PR card 32 days – 2 Days PR card renewals 66 days – 1 Days *Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may take longer to process.
The IRCC is now sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applicants who applied in the week of February 3, 2023.
Family Sponsorship
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada 16 months No Change Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada 13 months No Change Parents or Grandparents PR 39 months No Change Canadian Passport
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From
Last WeekIn-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services) 10 business days No Change In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre) 20 business days No Change In-Canda Urgent pick-up By the end of next business day No Change In-Canada Express pick-up 2-9 business days No Change Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada 20 business days No Change Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 12 months No Change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 30 months No Change Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 70 months (not updated
by IRCC since March 1)No Change Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry 11 months No Change Non-Express Entry PNP 20 months No Change Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) 20 months No Change Quebec Business Class
entrepreneurs (Quebec)
investors (Quebec)
self-employed persons (Quebec)67 months No Change Federal Self-Employed 43 months No Change Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 24 months No Change Start-Up Visa 33 months No Change Temporary Residence Application
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Visitor visa outside Canada Varies by country
India: 37 Days
Nigeria: 351 Days
United States: 17 Days
Pakistan: 121 Days
Philippines: 30 Days
UAE: 323 Days
Bangladesh: 140 Days
Sri Lanka: 102 Days
United Kingdom: 30 Days– 13 Days for India
– 8 Days for Nigeria
– 4 Days for United States
– 22 Days for Pakistan
No Change for Philippines
+ 3 Days for UAE
– 22 Day for Bangladesh
– 6 Days for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 11 days
Paper-Based: 33 daysNo Change Parents or Grandparents Super Visa Varies by country
India: 127 Days
Nigeria: 680 Days
United States: 121 Days
Pakistan: 462 Days
Philippines: 231 Days
UAE: 326 Days
Bangladesh: 253 Days
Sri Lanka: 318 Days
United Kingdom: 182 Days– 4 Days for India
+ 225 Days for Nigeria
No Change for United States
– 2 Days for Pakistan
+ 5 Days for Philippines
No Change for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
+ 2 Days for Sri Lanka
+ 6 Days for UKStudy Permit Outside Canada 10 Weeks No Change Visitor Extension (Visitor Record) Online: 181 days
Paper-Based: 85 days+ 1 Day (Online)
– 2 Days for Paper-BasedStudy Permit Inside Canada 3 Weeks No Change Study Permit Extension Online: 76 Days
Paper-Based: 99 Days– 9 Days (Online)
– 5 Days (Paper-Based)Work Permit Outside Canada* Varies by country
India: 8 Weeks
Nigeria: 25 Weeks
United States: 14 Weeks
Pakistan: 46 Weeks
Philippines: 10 Weeks
UAE: 39 Weeks
Bangladesh: 39 Weeks
Sri Lanka: 18 Weeks
United Kingdom: 12 WeeksNo Change for India
No Change for Nigeria
No Change for United States
+ 1 Week for Pakistan
– 2 Weeks for Philippines
No Change for UAE
+ 9 Weeks for Bangladesh
No Change for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 151 Days
Paper-Based: 28 Days– 2 Days (Online)
– 24 Days for paper-basedInternational Experience Canada (Current Season) 3 Weeks No Change Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) 21 Days – 3 Days Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) 5 minutes No Change *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.
- Canada Population 2023 Approaches 40 Million Due To Immigration
Canada population is estimated to be at 39,566,248 as on January 1, 2023, following a record population rise of 1,050,110 individuals from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023.
Canada’s real-time population clock displayed total population of 39,732,937 as on March 23, 2023.
This is the first 12-month period in Canadian history in which the population increased by more than one million people, and the greatest annual population growth rate (+2.7%) on record since 1957 (+3.3%).
Canada continues to dominate the G7 countries in population growth in 2022.
Canada’s population rose by 273,893 (+0.7%) from October 1 to December 31, 2022, marking the fourth quarter of 2022.
This was the best fourth-quarter growth rate since the same time in 1956 (+0.7%). During the fourth quarter of 2022, immigration accounted for virtually all of the rise (97.7%).
This quarter witnessed the greatest projected net new non-permanent residents (+196,262) of any fourth quarter for which comparable statistics exist, with 83,152 immigrants added.
As per Statistics Canada report, temporary immigration is the most important source of growth in Canada.
Canada accepted 437,180 immigrants in 2022, with a net increase in non-permanent residents anticipated at 607,782.
Both of these figures are the highest on record, indicating greater immigration objectives and a milestone-breaking year for immigration application processing at IRCC.
The net expected number of non-permanent temporary residents in all provinces and territories increased year-over-year in 2022.
Number of new work and study permits as well as the number of asylum seekers increased across Canada in 2022.
Latest Canada Population 2023 (Estimated)
Geography Total Population Net Change Percentage Change Canada 39,566,248 1,050,110 2.73% Ontario 15,386,407 445,495 2.98% Quebec 8,787,554 149,904 1.74% British Columbia 5,399,118 147,540 2.81% Alberta 4,647,178 164,793 3.68% Manitoba 1,431,792 33,489 2.39% Saskatchewan 1,214,618 29,307 2.47% Nova Scotia 1,037,782 35,341 3.53% New Brunswick 825,474 26,229 3.28% Newfoundland and Labrador 531,948 9,447 1.81% Prince Edward Island 173,954 7,096 4.25% Northwest Territories 45,493 -217 -0.47% Yukon 44,238 997 2.31% Nunavut 40,692 689 1.72% Interprovincial Migration In 2022
In total 396,281 Canadians changed their usual place of residence and moved to another province.
Alberta continues to be the top gainer in net interprovincial migration, with Canadian residents moving to the province for better prospects.
Ontario being the largest province by area and population, lost net 52,017 residents to interprovincial migration.
Geography In-Migrants Out-Migrants Net Change Alberta 111,899 66,373 45,526 Nova Scotia 28,928 16,711 12,217 New Brunswick 22,562 13,273 9,289 Newfoundland and Labrador 9,532 7,213 2,319 Prince Edward Island 6,287 4189 2098 British Columbia 69,788 69,307 481 Yukon 1812 1734 78 Nunavut 1623 1581 42 Northwest Territories 1856 2756 -900 Quebec 30,123 33,241 -3,118 Saskatchewan 18,424 24,307 -5,883 Manitoba 13,989 24,121 -10,132 Ontario 79,458 131,475 -52,017
- New Minimum Wage In Canada And 5 Provinces Effective April 1
On April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage in Canada will increase from $15.55 to $16.65 per hour in order to keep up with inflation.
As a result, about 26,000 Canadian workers who make less than the current wage will benefit from the raise.
The federal minimum wage in Canada is mandated for all federally regulated private sectors, including banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation.
Furthermore, employees in these sectors get higher rate if their provincial or territory minimum pay is greater than the federal minimum wage.
The federal minimum wage in Canada is revised every year on April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (inflation).
Previously, the federal minimum wage increased from $15 in 2021 to $15.55 on April 1, 2022.
The April 2023 hike in minimum wage is double ($1.10) as compared to that $0.55 raise last year.
New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Effective April 1
Apart from the rise in federal minimum wage in Canada, Manitoba and Yukon will also increase their provincial minimum wage effective April 1, 2023.
Minimum wage in Manitoba will increase by $0.65 to $14.15 per hour.
Manitoba’s minimum wage was increased on October 1, 2022 from $11.95 to $13.50 per hour.
Now Manitoba will revert to yearly changes based on province CPI, and it is anticipated that on October 1, 2023, the hourly wage will again increase to $15 per hour.
Furthermore, minimum wage in Yukon will also increase by $1.05 to $16.77 per hour.
Nova Scotia minimum wage is also set to increase to $14.50 per hour.
New Brunswick new minimum wage effective April 1, 2023 will be $14.75 per hour, up from $13.75.
The minimum wage will also rise for Newfoundland & Labrador by 80 cents per hour on April 1, 2023, reaching $14.50 per hour.
Minimum Wage By Province In Canada
Below listed are the latest minimum wage in Canada as of April 1, 2023.
Geography Minimum Wage Per Hour Next Raise Canada (Federally regulated private sectors) $16.65 April 1, 2024 Ontario $15.50 October 1, 2023 Manitoba $14.15 October 1, 2023 New Brunswick $14.75 April 1, 2024 (Expected) Nova Scotia $14.50 October 1, 2023 Saskatchewan $13.00 October 1, 2023 Newfoundland & Labrador $14.50 October 1, 2023 Alberta $15.00 To Be Decided (TBD) British Columbia $15.65 To Be Decided (TBD) Quebec $14.25 May 1, 2023 Nunavut $16.00 To Be Decided (TBD) Prince Edward Island $14.50 October 1, 2023 Northwest Territories $15.20 September 1, 2023 Yukon $16.77 April 1, 2024 What is Canada’s minimum wage 2023?
$16.65 per hour is the new minimum wage effective April 1, 2023 applicable to for all federally regulated private sectors. The federal regulated private sectors include banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation.What is the highest minimum wage in Canada?
Yukon has the highest minimum wage at $16.77 per hour, followed by Federal minimum wage that is $16.65 per hour, and Nunavut which has the minimum wage of $16 per hour.What is minimum wage Ontario 2023 and when will it increase?
Starting in 2022, the minimum wage rates may rise yearly on October 1st. The new rates that will take effect on October 1 will be released no later than April 1.
Currently, $15.50 is the minimum wage in Ontario.What is the minimum wage in British Columbia?
$15.65 effective since June 1, 2022Federally regulated private sectors
- air transportation, including airlines, airports, aerodromes and aircraft operations
- banks, including authorized foreign banks
- grain elevators, feed and seed mills, feed warehouses and grain-seed cleaning plants
- First Nations band councils and Indigenous self-governments (certain activities)
- most federal Crown corporations, for example, Canada Post Corporation
- port services, marine shipping, ferries, tunnels, canals, bridges and pipelines (oil and gas) that cross international or provincial borders
- postal and courier services
- radio and television broadcasting
- railways that cross provincial or international borders and some short-line railways
- road transportation services, including trucks and buses, that cross provincial or international borders
- telecommunications, such as, telephone, Internet, telegraph and cable systems
- uranium mining and processing and atomic energy
- any business that is vital, essential or integral to the operation of one of the above activities
- Federally regulated public sector (parts II and IV of the Code only):
- the federal public service
- Parliament (such as, the Senate, the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament)
- Private-sector firms and municipalities in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (part I of the Code only)
Canada Minimum wages 2023 - Canada Announces New Open Work Permit For Turkish & Syrian Nationals
Today, immigration minister of Canada, the Honourable Sean Fraser announced new measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents.
Effective from March 29, 2023 nationals of Türkiye and Syria will benefit from below listed new measures:
- extension of temporary status (study, work or visitor) within Canada free of charge.
- priority processing of immigration applications submitted by earthquake victims
- new open work permit of up to 3 years for temporary residents already in Canada.
- easier transition between temporary residents statuses.
- no requirement of passports and travel document requirements for the Canadian permanent residence applicants outside Canada.
- For Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Turkey and Syria, there will be no costs for temporary passports, passports with restricted validity, emergency travel papers, Canadian citizenship certificates, or permanent resident travel documents.
Applications for temporary residency from the impacted areas, both new and old, as well as applications for permanent residence, including applications for refugee resettlement, are all being processed on a priority basis.
This includes requests for visiting visas for members of a person’s immediate family who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents so they can visit their loved ones.
The purpose of these new immigration measures announced today is to assist Turkish and Syrian temporary residents who may not be able to leave Canada at this time owing to the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in the area.
Over 16,000 applicants have applications being processed in Turkey and Syria as of February 8, 2023.
Among them, about 1,700 (750 permanent residents and 920 temporary residents) came from the earthquake-affected region.
These new measures will stay in effect until September 25, 2023.
As part of its resettlement programme, Canada is also collaborating with UN partners in the region to offer temporary housing to refugees who have been negatively affected while they wait for their applications to be reviewed.
Further details on how to apply for these new measures will be accessible on the IRCC website in the upcoming weeks.
- IRCC backlog drops to 910,400 despite increase in new applications
IRCC backlog drops by around 64,000 as per new official data updated by the Canadian immigration department on March 17.
IRCC backlog now stands at 910,400 which is an all-time low number since the processing woes started in pandemic.
This reduction in IRCC backlog has been registered along all the business lines including Citizenship(-7.2%), Permanent residency(-3.78%), and temporary residency(-8.28%).
Furthermore, there has been increase of 82,300 in new immigration applications as of February 28, 2023.
Canada immigration department was processing 1,052,200 files within IRCC service standards in the end of last month.
In total, IRCC was processing 1,962,600 immigration/visa applications as of February 28.
Date Backlog Total Applications
Under ProcessingFebruary 28, 2023 910,400 1,962,600 January 31, 2023 974,600 1,944,500 December 31, 2022 918,300 1,973,800 November 30, 2022 1,086,200 2,111,400 October 31, 2022 1,202,790 2,239,700 September 30, 2022 1,322,500 2,610,700 It is important to note that IRCC backlog data and service standard data are different as explained below.
For example, if the typical processing period for spousal sponsorship is 12 months, an application that is being processed within 12 months is “NOT” a backlog. Instead, it will be treated as regular processing.
But, if it surpasses the 12-month service threshold, then only it should be regarded a backlog.
The IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these service standards. Learn more about IRCC service standards.
Application Type Overall Processing Inventory Backlog Within Service Standards Citizenship 299,000 77,000 222,000 Permanent Residence 622,600 335,400 287,200 Temporary Residence 1,041,000 498,000 543,000 Total 1,962,600 910,400 1052,200 IRCC Backlog Projections For 2023
1. Backlog Projections For Federal High Skilled
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 89% Feb 22 92% Mar 22 98% Apr 22 99% May 22 100% Jun 22 100% Jul 22 99% Aug 22 90% 86% Sep 22 68% 72% Oct 22 45% 59% Nov 22 31% 46% Dec 22 22% 20% Jan 23 20% 20% Feb 23 20% 20% Mar 23 – 20% Apr 23 – 20% May 23 – 20% 2. Backlog Projections For Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 56% Feb 22 55% Mar 22 54% Apr 22 51% May 22 47% Jun 22 45% Jul 22 43% Aug 22 42% 39% Sep 22 40% 35% Oct 22 42% 31% Nov 22 42% 28% Dec 22 41% 20% Jan 23 38% 40% Feb 23 32% 39% Mar 23 – 32% Apr 23 – 30% May 23 – 28% 3. Backlog Projections for Spouses, Partners and children applications
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 34% Feb 22 32% Mar 22 30% Apr 22 29% May 22 27% Jun 22 27% Jul 22 26% Aug 22 25% 24% Sep 22 25% 23% Oct 22 24% 22% Nov 22 24% 20% Dec 22 24% 19% Jan 23 24% 24% Feb 23 23% 24% Mar 23 – 24% Apr 23 – 24% May 23 – 24% 4. Citizenship Backlog Projections
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 46% Feb 22 45% Mar 22 42% Apr 22 40% May 22 39% Jun 22 37% Jul 22 35% Aug 22 30% 30% Sep 22 30% 30% Oct 22 28% 28% Nov 22 29% 27% Dec 22 28% 26% Jan 23 27% 26% Feb 23 26% 25% Mar 23 – 24% Apr 23 – 24% May 23 – 24% 5. Study Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 42% Feb 22 34% Mar 22 27% Apr 22 32% May 22 31% Jun 22 30% Jul 22 31% Aug 22 38% 39% Sep 22 31% 42% Oct 22 26% 33% Nov 22 28% 31% Dec 22 32% 33% Jan 23 35% 36% Feb 23 29% 34% Mar 23 – 25% Apr 23 – 22% May 23 – 15% 6. Work Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections
**According to IRCC, about 73% of work visa applications originate from the Canada-Ukraine emergency travel permission.
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 48% Feb 22 51% Mar 22 29% Apr 22 23% May 22 26% Jun 22 28% Jul 22 28% Aug 22 34% 29% Sep 22 27% 35% Oct 22 23% 49% Nov 22 24% 55% Dec 22 25% 60% Jan 23 26% 26% Feb 23 23% 28% Mar 23 – 28% Apr 23 – 28% May 23 – 28% 7. Backlog Projections For Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa
**The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel accounts for 20% of temporary resident visa or visitor visa applications, according to IRCC.
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 70% Feb 22 74% Mar 22 55% Apr 22 55% May 22 56% Jun 22 71% Jul 22 67% Aug 22 71% 68% Sep 22 74% 71% Oct 22 74% 70% Nov 22 70% 67% Dec 22 70% 77% Jan 23 68% 68% Feb 23 64% 68% Mar 23 – 65% Apr 23 – 59% May 23 – 50%
- IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >1,500 Invites
The 10th IEC 2023 (International Experience Canada) draw sent over 1,500 invites under 3 categories, for the week commencing March 17, 2023.
Around 1,200 invitations were sent to the participants in pool for the IEC Working Holiday category from more than 30 different countries.
Only 7 countries are now left with Excellent chance of receiving an invitation in next IEC 2023 Working Holiday category next week.
These are Andorra, Croatia, Luxembourg, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Applicants from rest of the countries under Working Holiday category have a low chance of receiving an invite based on candidates in pool and available spots.
This year, a total of 90,000 quota is allotted for IEC 2023, and around 65,000 invitations have already been distributed.
Moving forward, the IEC 2023 Young Professionals category receives more than 234 invitations. Furthermore, 177 applicants in pool are competing for 3,403 spots.
This week, 65 more spots have been added in the Young Professionals category for Taiwan.
Last week, extra spots were added for Greece under Working Holiday and Young Professionals category.
Similarly, IEC 2023 Working Holiday Quota for Korea and the United Kingdom was also raised in week ending February 24.
In addition, 148 invitations are distributed under the International Co-op (internship) category.
The current IEC season has a processing time of less than three weeks, according to the most recent IRCC processing report on March 7.
The statistics for each nation, including the number of invites, candidates in the pool, and available seats, is provided below.
IEC 2023 Working Holiday Category
Country Invitations Issued This Week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots Andorra 0 10 1 19 Australia 150 3,556 289 Unlimited Austria 0 154 19 0 Belgium 27 674 38 282 Croatia 4 78 1 227 Czech Republic 18 616 36 599 Denmark 12 178 18 215 Estonia 5 78 7 65 France 0 16,885 3,652 0 Germany 101 2,477 203 2,740 Greece 8 225 12 160 Hong Kong 6 237 13 88 Ireland 125 4,626 326 7,636 Italy 42 1,222 85 1,008 Japan 110 3,081 239 4,076 Korea Republic 169 7,456 1,094 1,740 Latvia 6 72 1 0 Lithuania 18 304 32 24 Luxembourg 1 19 2 67 Netherlands 27 667 47 342 New Zealand 50 1,203 82 1,620 Norway 0 46 1 101 Poland 12 474 31 356 Portugal 18 517 48 1,378 San Marino 0 4 0 22 Slovakia 8 325 19 108 Slovenia 1 27 1 68 Spain 25 1,169 77 1,081 Sweden 21 181 14 478 United Kingdom 200 5,754 493 6,481 Total 1,164 52,315 6,881 30,981 IEC 2023 Young Professionals Category
Country Invitations Issued This Week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots Australia 1 64 2 Unlimited Austria 1 6 1 60 Chile 25 290 16 157 Costa Rica 3 129 3 3 Croatia 0 6 0 17 Czech Republic 7 127 6 67 Estonia 0 3 0 8 France 110 1,546 72 1,281 France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE) 11 192 41 372 Germany 26 191 10 241 Greece 3 92 2 116 Ireland 2 61 6 141 Italy 3 130 3 151 Latvia 2 6 0 6 Lithuania 0 15 0 13 Luxembourg 0 0 0 10 Norway 0 5 0 10 Poland 5 33 0 96 Portugal 2 18 0 191 Slovakia 2 30 1 16 Slovenia 1 3 1 14 Spain 7 90 4 110 Spain via ICEX Vives Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 50 Sweden 3 16 0 95 Switzerland 13 145 5 97 Taiwan 7 88 4 81 Total 234 3,286 177 3,403 International Co-op (Internship)
Country Invitations issued this week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots France 142 2,556 90 2402 Ireland 1 7 2 44 Germany 3 47 2 136 Luxembourg 0 3 0 9 Switzerland 0 19 0 37 Taiwan 2 11 1 9 Total 148 2,643 95 2,637 Source: IEC 2023
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